Images of Bhutan - Dr. Claire Glascoe
Images of Bhutan - Dr. Claire Glascoe
University Honorary Fellow, Dr Claire Glasscoe is bringing
an
exhibition of photographs taken during a visit to the reclusive
kingdom of
Bhutan, to Ness Gardens.
Dr Glasscoe, who considered pursuing a career in
photography
prior to devoting her working life to medical research, travelled
out to the
Himalayan country in October last year.
Dr Glasscoe, who was based at Alder Hey
Children's Hospital, said: "It is an amazing country, protected by
its terrain.
It resisted colonisation by Britain
and
invasion by neighbouring countries such as China, Nepal and India,
largely
because it is so difficult to get to. We had to fly at high
altitude over the
mountains to get there, and they only have two planes.
"They have a very distinctive
culture. It's said to be the
most authentic Buddhist country in the world, and they want to
keep it that
way. Nobody is rich there although they are self-sufficient. There
is a lot of
fast-flowing water in Bhutan, which they harness to create energy
and are now
actually exporting to much larger countries nearby."
Bhutan has only recently opened
its doors to outsiders and,
as a condition of their visas, tourists today must pay $250 per
day to stay in
the country, which covers the cost of accommodation, meals,
transportation and
a guide. A ban on television and the
internet was only lifted in 1999 but now mobile phones are a
common means of
communication through a B-Mobile network system.
Dr Glasscoe, whose most recent
research centred on children
with cystic fibrosis, said: "The people are lovely, very direct,
not apologetic
and quite independent. They are very forward thinking and there is
a strong
emphasis on conservation and sustainable living with fair
distribution of
resources. They are a quiet gentle people who know how they want
their country
to be, but they also encourage people going there. They were
extraordinarily
receptive to people from outside and happy to have their
photograph taken as
long as the images captured were kept safe and respected
as for many, particularly the older generation these images
represent their
spirit."
Ness Gardens' association with Bhutan
dates back to the
beginning of the twentieth century. Arthur Bulley, Ness Gardens'
founder, wrote
to the Maharaja of Bhutan with the aim of obtaining permission to
collect seeds
there. His wish was granted, and in 1914 RE Cooper was sent to
gather species
not available anywhere else. Many of the very attractive and
interesting
primulas, rhododendrons and other plants collected can still be
seen at Ness
today.
Dr Glasscoe added: "I would have done
all of this years ago
if I was brave enough. I've always loved the mountains and the
light was
fantastic - photography heaven!"